Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-12-103: Purpose of authority

The general purpose of an authority created pursuant to this part is declared to be that of:

(1) Acquiring, constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating a jail or workhouse or jails or workhouses and the usual facilities appertaining to those undertakings;

(2) Enlarging, renovating, and improving such facilities;

(3) Acquiring the necessary property for the facilities, both real and personal, with the right of contract for the use of or to lease, mortgage, or sell any or all of the facilities, including real property, and in the sale or purchase of any such property to comply with state or local purchasing laws; and

(4) Doing any and all things deemed by the authority necessary, convenient, and desirable for and incident to the efficient and proper development and operation of those types of undertakings.